Luomo Village of Datun Town in Gejiu City, Honghe

Luomo Village, Dazhuang Administrative Village, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Location and Geography

Luomo Village is located in the Ba area of Yangjiazai Administrative Village, Dazhuang Town, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Specifically, it is situated in the western part of Dazhuang Town, about 4 kilometers from the Yangjiazai Village Committee and 7 kilometers from the center of Dazhuang Town. The village sits at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level, with an average annual temperature of 18-20°C and annual precipitation between 700-900 millimeters. This climate is suitable for growing rice and vegetables. The village covers an area of 0.39 square kilometers, with 427 mu of arable land and 94.60 mu of forest land. Each household has an average of 0.98 mu of arable land.

Demographics

Luomo Village has 113 households and a total population of 440 residents, including 208 males and 232 females. The population is a mix of Han, Yi, and Zhuang ethnic groups, with the Yi being the majority (260 people), followed by Han (109 people) and Zhuang (71 people). Most of the residents, 440 individuals, are engaged in agricultural activities. The total labor force is 326 people, with 199 primarily working in the primary sector.

Economic Development

Luomo Village has transitioned from traditional agriculture to secondary and tertiary industries. In 2007, the village’s total sales revenue reached 2.987 million RMB, accounting for 45% of the rural economy’s total income. That year, the village’s total economic income was 6.632 million RMB, and the per capita net income of farmers was 2,760 RMB. To support future development, the village plans to diversify its economy by investing in a brick factory to reduce reliance on agriculture.

Luomo Village Yi Torch Festival

On August 19 and 20, the Luomo Torch Festival in Gejiu City’s Dazhuang Town brought together thousands of people for a grand celebration. The Torch Festival, known as the “Oriental Carnival,” is a traditional Yi festival that has evolved into an annual celebration for the Yi people.

If you haven’t experienced such a grand festival before, don’t worry—join us to experience the 2017 Luomo Torch Festival!

Festival Highlights

Atmosphere:

Upon arriving at Luomo Village, the sound of lively songs greets you, with Yi people dressed in traditional attire welcoming visitors.

Food:

The festival features a variety of food stalls offering local delicacies. Enjoy skewers, cold rice noodles, beverages, various barbecued items, and desserts. The festival also features traditional Yi cuisine and the warmth and hospitality of the Yi people.

Activities:

The festival offers numerous games, including obstacle challenges and parent-child activities, with prizes available. Enjoy watching Yi women in traditional attire, as well as performances featuring beautiful ethnic costumes.

Cultural Performances:

Witness dance performances with flowing costumes and vibrant rituals, including ceremonies to honor ancestors and seek blessings. Experience the intricate embroidery crafted by Yi artisans, showcasing their cultural heritage.

Art and Exhibitions:

The festival features ethnic art exhibitions and intangible cultural heritage displays along the roadsides, including Yi paper-cutting art and traditional painting. Enjoy watching dragon dance competitions and marvel at the artistic shapes created by the performers.

Torch Ceremony:

The highlight of the festival is the torch ceremony, where the blazing bonfire symbolizes auspiciousness, harvest, and happiness. The sacred Yi fire represents the continuity of life and the enduring spirit of the Yi people.